Cigarettes are an addictive habit to break. Even when you’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to quit, the little white blazing things don’t want you to let go. Withdrawal symptoms will come at you strongly, leaving you anxious, depressed, irritable. Your appetite will increase tenfold, leading you to gain weight. Stress will spike, causing lack of restorative sleep. The list goes on and on…
Despite these nasty side effects of quitting, we believe in you. We’re here to urge you to stay strong, fight the hard fight, and get rid of those unhealthy sticks STAT. With these helpful tricks, you’ll be on the positive path to getting rid of cigarettes forever.
Set a Quit Date
Look at the calendar and pick a date, one to two weeks away from when you think you’re ready to quit. That way you can mentally prepare yourself and get rid of whatever remaining cigs you do have in your pack the night before.
While you’re locking in your quit date, notify your close friends and family so that they can keep you on track.
One more tip we think you should highly consider: The date you choose should be a dull, you’ve got nothing to do day. Make sure your schedule is clear so that you don’t stress out. Because we all know what stress can lead to… cigarette cravings.
Have Prepared Things to Do When Cravings Hit
That should not include chomping down on your nails or picking the skin around your fingers until you’re bloody. Though both will feel uber tempting.
Instead, come up with a practical list of things to turn to in preparation for cravings. A few solid, go-to examples include munching on a fruit/nut mix, working on a crossword puzzle, sipping a glass of water, or going for a nature walk. You could also try phoning a friend that’s supportive, so that they can get your mind off cigarettes for the time being.
Lean Into a Hobby, or Adopt One
If you sit back and really think about it, smoking takes up a lot of time. With that newfound freedom, pick up on a relaxing hobby. Or at least one that helps reduce stress.
Try meditating and listening to relaxing music. Blow off some steam with a new workout routine or running regime. Start a book club with friends or join a cooking class to get some in-the-kitchen tips. Prioritize a monthly massage to help relax your muscles or visit the chiropractor if you’ve been super tense. We could continue on the hobby list train, but we think you get the jist. Fun, freeing, and no stress.
When in Doubt, Delay.
Cravings are going to attack you more than you’ll be prepared for. Sometimes, it’s beyond difficult to fight them off. All you want is that little, tiny bit of nicotine and you’ll be ok. Right?
Wrong. Don’t give in to the temptation, or else you’ll just start back at square one. Instead, delay that tobacco craving. Tell yourself that you’re going to wait 10 minutes before you pick up a cigarette, then do something that’s distracting. Believe it or not, that small few-minute break may be just enough to get you away from the desire to smoke.
Talk to Yourself Using Positive and Uplifting Affirmations
Quitting an unhealthy habit such as smoking cigarettes can be extremely difficult because the nicotine itself will play tricks on your mind. The substance will make you feel crappier without it than with it… at least in the beginning. But don’t let the addiction convince you to backtrack.
Outweigh the negatives with positive and uplifting affirmations. Repeat them to yourself and out loud whenever you’re feeling less than strong. Sayings like, “I am strong enough to beat this” will work. Anything that’ll give you confidence to get through the rough patch.
P.S. Writing them in a journal is also very beneficial; the act of putting pen to paper makes the idea more concrete.